Nollywood has welcomed the gesture by the Gambian President to award parcel of lands as gift to some of its stars; however there has been a lot of reactions in Nigeria and Gambia, one of which is an opposition by a local film maker.
A Gambian film maker, Prince Bubacarr, has been bothered by the gift, calling the Nollywood and Ghollywood Actors scavengers according to an online report. The producer said the actors are out to milk the Gambian government dry. According to the producer, Gambia does not have the resources to be so generous with foreigners when many of its citizens are living in abject poverty and cannot benefit from the generosity as well.
Nollywood is Nigeria’s film industry and Ghollywood is Ghana’s.
During the awarding of the lands the President said that it was his belief in Pan Africanism, the value and heritage of Africa which Nollywood has played a big role in showcasing on the world stage that makes them worth the commendation and support. The president went further on to say in the speech read by the Vice President Dr. Isatou Njie Sandy representing the president, that Nollywood actors are Africa’s Ambassadors and that they are welcomed to build homes in Gambia and see themselves as Gambians.
Bubacarr warned the actors from being fast in developing the lands, advising them to rethink and remember that the President is giving what belongs to the Gambian people which is scarce adding that the President will not remain in power forever.
“I am compelled to respond to a certain Prince Bubaccar. After reading his rather lengthy and winding attack on Nigerian and Ghanaian actors entitled “Nollywood Actors, Others Must Stop Scavenging On Our Meagre Gambian Resources”, published online last week, one would have allowed him to enjoy the satisfaction of pandering to his perverted sadistic frustrations, but then, that would be watching a monster go untamed at its infancy.” Responded Veteran Nollywood actor, Ejike Asiegbu
Nollywood practitioners have been involved in collaborative initiatives with the good people of the Gambia, geared towards growing the Gambian movie industry inspired by Nigerians and Gambian citizens. These collaborations began as far back as 2007, a move encouraged by President Jammeh.
President Yahya Jammeh allocated the plots of land to Nollywood stars who include Francis Duru, Segun Arinze, Monalisa Chinda, Patience Ozokwor, Eucharia Anunobi, Ejike Asiegbu,Tony Umez, Ngozi Ezeonu, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), Harry B. Anyanwu, Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Rukiat Masud and Ghanaian sultry actress, Jackie Appiah.
